The 1961 Tour de France was the 48th edition of the Tour de France, one of cycling's Grand Tours. It took place between 25 June and 16 July, with 21 stages covering a distance of 4,397 km (2,732 mi). Out of the 132 riders who started the tour, 72 managed to complete the tour's tough course. Throughout the 1961 Tour de France, two of the French national team's riders, André Darrigade and Jacques Anquetil held the yellow jersey for the entirety 21 stages. There was a great deal of excitement between the second and third places, concluding with Guido Carlesi stealing Charly Gaul's second-place position on the last day by two seconds.
Pre-race favourite Jacques Anquetil (pictured during the Tour)
Emile Daems crossing the finish line in Charleroi, Belgium, to win the third stage
The Tour de France is an annual men's multiple-stage bicycle race held primarily in France. It is the oldest of the three Grand Tours and is generally considered the most prestigious.
Maurice Garin, winner of the first Tour de France standing on the right. The man on the left is possibly Leon Georget (1903).
1936 Tour de France
Jacques Goddet memorial at the top of the Col du Tourmalet
Jacques Anquetil (centre), Raymond Poulidor (left) and Federico Bahamontes (right), podium of the 1964 Tour de France
